Case Studies
Spires Realty Partners' investment strategy focuses on acquiring under-performing properties that can be purchased at significant discount to their replacement cost or their stabilized value. While effectively managing these investments is crucial for achieving strong financial performance, the initial investment basis largely determines the overall financial outcome. Without the pressure to deploy capital that a fund structure carries, Spires can benefit from the disciplined patience and strategic relationships that have afforded enhanced investment opportunities and corresponding financial returns.
Over the past 24 years, the principals of Spires have demonstrated the importance of that approach, yielding an impressive 15.5% internal rate of return (IRR) for investors, resulting in a 24x multiple of initial capital (MOIC) during this same period. Importantly, these outcomes were achieved while maintaining prudent financing and a conservative leveraging strategy.
We invite you to hover over the case studies below to review value-add and opportunistic investments executed by the principal(s) of Spires Realty Partners.
01
Opportunistic
Industrial Warehouse | Frederick, MD
180,000 SF Class C Warehouse
Acquired in 2001
Purchased for $2,686,000 or $68 PSF
Vacant single-user bulk warehouse originally built in 1982 and located off a main thoroughfare in a rapidly growing submarket.
Strategy and Execution
The building was 100% vacant warehouse at the time of purchase. Invested $700k in improvements/leasing costs. One hundred percent occupancy was achieved by 2004. Rezoned the property to mixed-use/residential, offering a compelling covered land play for potential purchasers for invest in future redevelopment.
Financial Performance
6 - year hold. Sold for $15.6 million in 2007 for a 34% annual IRR.
02
Opportunistic
Industrial Warehouse | Frederick, MD
46,000 SF Class A Warehouse
Acquired in 2004
Purchased for $3,900,000 or $84 PSF
Constructed in 1997 as a single-user warehouse. At the time of purchase the tenant, who also owned the building through a separate entity, was in bankruptcy.
Strategy and Execution
Purchased during the bankruptcy/receivership process of the tenant. Prior to closing, a replacement tenant was secured to backfill the impending vacancy. That tenant entered a 10-year lease that provided for immediate stabilization, yielding a 13% annual return on total costs (cash on cash) beginning Year 1.
Financial Performance
10-year hold. Sold in 2014 for $8 million or $178 PSF. Property IRR of 32% and EM of 7.5 at the time of sale. Sale Cap Rate 6.1%
03
Opportunistic
Industrial Warehouse | Frederick, MD
55,350 SF Class C Warehouse
Acquired in 2005
Purchased for $2,550,000 or $46 PSF
The vacant single-user bulk warehouse was originally built in 1978.
Strategy and Execution
Acquired a 100% vacant warehouse. Entered 5-year lease with full-building tenant in year one. At the end of the initial 5-year lease term, the property was sold to the tenant.
Financial Performance
5-year hold. Sold for $4.5 million in 2010 for a 25% annual IRR.
04
Reposition | Value - Add
Industrial Warehouse | Frederick, MD
202,500 SF Class C Industrial Manufacturing
Acquired in 2015
Purchased for $675,000 or $3.33 PSF through bankruptcy
100% vacant at acquisition, with the building in a significantly deteriorated state. The former manufacturing facility was originally built for single-tenant occupancy.
Strategy and Execution
Invested $3M to renovate/reposition for multi-tenant use. Renovations include partial interior/exterior demolition, site clean-up/expansion, partial reroof, new façade/entrances, and significant mechanical, sprinkler, and electrical work. Invested $2.6M in leasing transaction costs. Total investment $6.2M
Financial Performance
Leased 112,500 SF or 56% on a 20-year NNN basis in Year 1. The remaining building was leased to two tenants in Year 2. Currently 100% occupied with an estimated market value of $17M or $85 PSF.
05
Opportunistic
Industrial Warehouse | Frederick, MD
90,000 SF Class B Office/Warehouse
Acquired in 2023
Purchased for $6,550,000 or $73 PSF
The vacant single-user warehouse was originally built in 1986.
Strategy and Execution
100% vacant warehouse. Initially offered $8.9M for the property, however Seller accepted another offer at $10M. Ultimately, the other buyer fell through, and the Seller was pressured to sell the building and accepted the reduced purchase price of $6.55M in exchange for a 2-week ‘all cash at settlement’ closing. Invested $1M in improvements with the intention to lease the property to a bulk single user.
Financial Performance
2-Year hold. The initial strategy was to lease to a single tenant at $12 PSF, NNN. During the initial year of ownership, several unsolicited ‘user’ purchase inquiries were received between $15M and $17M. Given the market's slow absorption rate for 100,000 SF tenants during this period, the property was sold in 2025 to a user for $17.4M for a 113% annual IRR.
06
Value - Add
Flex | Columbia, MD
85,000 SF Three-Building Flex Office
Acquired in 2015
Purchased for $8,150,000 or $96 PSF
The three-building portfolio was constructed in 1987 and was 85% occupied at the time of purchase.
Strategy and Execution
The property, located in an established and well-located submarket, suffered from tenant neglect from previous ownership/management, with several tenants unlikely to renew. Through proactive management, we were able to shore up the existing tenant base and lease the remaining vacancy over three years.
Financial Performance
Nine-year hold to date with an estimated market value of $15.5M or $175 PSF equating to a 21% annual IRR if sold YE 2024.
07
Value - Add
Flex | Frederick, MD
185,000 SF Five-Building Flex Office
Acquired in 2016
Purchased for $13,600,000 or $86 PSF
The five-building portfolio was constructed in 1989 and was 89% occupied at the time of purchase.
Strategy and Execution
The property was acquired through an online auction process. Existing tenancy was reasonably strong; however, the property required aesthetic improvements and an enhanced property management effort to remain competitive within the market. Minor building improvements included improved signage, lighting, and landscaping. Occupancy increased to 96%.
Financial Performance
Eight-year hold to date with an estimated market value of $26.5M or $165 PSF equating to a 27% annual IRR if sold YE 2024.
08
Value - Add
Small Bay Flex Industrial | Baltimore, MD
302,000 SF Seven-Building Industrial/Flex
Acquired in 2016
Purchased for $14,375,000 or $48 PSF
The seven-building industrial/flex portfolio was at 88% occupancy upon acquisition, providing stable in-place cash flow. 12% of tenants slated to vacate in the second year. Rents significantly below market, disgruntled tenants, a dated/tired façade, and common areas.
Strategy and Execution
Invested $300k in property improvements, including landscaping, painting, and façade repairs. A proactive, hands-on management effort quickly turned tenant perceptions positive.
Financial Performance
Leased property to 92% occupancy within the first 2 years and achieved 2X NOI increase by year 3—estimated value of $32M or $107 PSF.
09
Value - Add
Class A Office | Frederick, MD
220,000 SF Class A Office
Acquired in 2016
Purchased for $16,500,000 or $75 PSF
The building was constructed in 1987 and was 60% occupied at the time of purchase.
Strategy and Execution
The property, located in an established and well-located submarket is one of a few Class A office properties within the market. Ownership was a DC-based pension fund that was anxious to exit the property and had previously written down its value from its purchase in 2005 for $55M. The property had been updated, including new lobbies, elevators, etc. The existing vacancy had been white boxed. Through proactive leasing strategies and management, the property was leased to 90% over the following 36 months, which included the COVID period.
Financial Performance
Six-year hold to date with an estimated market value of $31M or $140 PSF equating to a 27% annual IRR if sold YE 2024 (10 CAP exit assumption on in-place rents).
